Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

[tdselby]

Hey Im new to the forum, this is my second starcraft I let my last one go 3 years ago and have been kicking my self. Last week I found another one and grabbed it, for 250.00. Ive started the resto and this is almost more fun than catfishing....... a labor of love.
Does anyone know how big I can go with the motor on this boat because I was given a 1977 115 merc and am planing on coupling these two. Had to change out the wiring harness and the switch box, new fuel lines checked the carbs and the old inline started right up. still need to change out the impeller and I think she be ready. Please let me know about the moter size on that 16ft ss as the boat is missing the coastguard plate. Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[tgp***]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

If you know the year you can look it up in the brochures thread. Most all years are there. They'll give max HP for each model. Off the top of my head 85 HP may be the max for a 16"SS.

http://forums.iboats.com/starcraft-boats/starcraft-brochures-349830.html

 

[tdselby]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

If you know the year you can look it up in the brochures thread. Most all years are there. They'll give max HP for each model. Off the top of my head 85 HP may be the max for a 16"SS.

http://forums.iboats.com/starcraft-boats/starcraft-brochures-349830.html[/Q

She is a 1970 and I was able to find the max motor size it is 85 hp Im gona wing it and put the 115 on hope it will be ok the transom looks to be good and its a deep enough boat that she should take the weight just fine. Im going with alum c channel for the floor joist and 1/8 tread plate for the floor. So I think I should be cutting weight enough to offset the extra weight in the motor. Whats everyone think I need input here. Thanks

 

[Xeroman]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

With a new transom you should be ok. I'm redoing a 84 or 85 Sylvan (I'm in my jammies or I'd run to the garage & check the SN - I forgot) of about the same hull style & mine is rated for 90hp. Mine was a freebie from a neighbor who moved to Nevada from Minnesnowta. I had to replace the transom & had an aluminum transom made. My fab guy sandwiched 1" alum square tube with 1/4" alum plate using the 3 piece old transom as a template - only ended up with 2 pieces of the old, as the third literally fell apart. The result is that I could now put a big enough motor on it to sink the boat before anything would bend or give way. I couldn't believe he only charged me $200.00 - it was really beautiful. They even welded drain tubes through it & it might even have been water tight, but I drilled drain holes in the bottom. I used "ultimate rivets" (1000lbs/ square inch & found on ebay made for race cars) instead of the original screws & silicone glue to secure & seal it. I'm currently in the process of coating the front & new rear casting deck with "deck restore" (found at Home Depot) instead of carpet, vinyl or paint. I used "concrete restore" (same stuff - like colored truck bed liner, but way, way tougher & thicker - oh! it's water clean up too!) on my patio & was so impressed that my kids nor MN winter & snow blower with chains around the tires couldn't damage it, that I'm even gonna try coating the consoles. It's been a 2yr project so far & I'm hoping to get the whole boat rewired this winter so I can remount the 90hp '82 Johnson that was on it. Kids have been bugging me to go tubing next summer.
Good Luck & Have Fun With The Project!

 

[Yeonik]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

Somebody put a 115 in their 16 SS... forget who. 85 hp max is what my plate says.

You stole that thing for 250 =D Good luck with your project! Seems the 16 SS is the thing to do this year!

 

[tdselby]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

I'm only puting 2 seats in the boat and was curious how is the floor support beefed up below seat mounts.

 

[barato2]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

i think most folks use scrap from their transom or floors to double the plywood under their seat bases....simple and cheap.

remember that weight and stress on the transom isn't the only issue when overpowering....you'll probably want to also move some of the big masses (fuel tanks, batteries, big coolers) forward to help offset the weight distribution. anyone have any idea of how the weight on a Tower o Power compares to an OMC v4 85hp?

Xeroman, just be sure to keep that boat well covered....that garage floor stuff is usually not designed to stand up to UV.

 

[Pugetsound]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

Hey Im new to the forum, this is my second starcraft I let my last one go 3 years ago and have been kicking my self. Last week I found another one and grabbed it, for 250.00. Ive started the resto and this is almost more fun than catfishing....... a labor of love.
Does anyone know how big I can go with the motor on this boat because I was given a 1977 115 merc and am planing on coupling these two. Had to change out the wiring harness and the switch box, new fuel lines checked the carbs and the old inline started right up. still need to change out the impeller and I think she be ready. Please let me know about the moter size on that 16ft ss as the boat is missing the coastguard plate. Thanks in advance!!!!

I believe my plate on my 16 SS isold was max at 85-90-hp it was a 1975 starcraft i did a complete rebuild on then sold it. Like you damn sorry I sold it . I think the weight should be about the same Might look around and see if a 85 -90 motor has the same size hood. Thats been done before.

 

[tdselby]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

I may be mistaken but I believe the 115 only outweighs the 85 by around a 100 lbs. I'm Not putting any wood in the floor or supports Its all aluminum I'm gona keep this one until death do us part. Don't want any rot and I don't wana do this again at least on this boat. Someday when I get rich and famous I wana get an Optimax to put on her, (well rich anyway) LOL!!!! I'm going to put up some pics so yal can see my project.

 

[tgp***]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

Just a couple things to consider. Not sure where your from but the DNR in some states can ticket or fine you. Your insurance company may not insure you, if you get in an accident you'd be liable. Just be careful is all I'm saying, do what you will. They put max HP rating on boats for a purpose. The tags that MFG's put in them w/ HP ratings are a federal requirement. Be safe, and good luck.

 

[tdselby]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

pics of floor supports

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

You're replacing all the wood & structure in the boat w/ aluminum EXCEPT the plywood transom? And intend to leave the existing plywood transom to support a larger (heavier & 30% overpower) then the recommended motor.

Boat is pretty well torn down to bare hull except the transom at this point. $50-75 seems a small expense to ENSURE you've got a transom strong enough to support the weight & resist the forces the extra 35% overpower motor will provide.

That just doesn't seem wise to me.

Overpower by 35% doesn't either. It's a lightweight aluminum 16' hull, that when well balanced & properly prop'd, will haul substantial donkey w/ an 85-90hp motor.

If you intend to proceed, why not pull the transom? An afternoon to pull & laminate a new transom. A few days to epoxy coat it & install it. All to KNOW you've done all you can do.

Hard to hide a 1977 6cyl inline 115hp Merc under a 4cyl inline 85hp Merc hood. Pesky extra 2cyl...

All ^^^ IMHO.

Best of luck w/ your project

Boat & boat resto safely

 

[tdselby]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

I'm not going to replace a transom thats in perfect condition I'm an old poor boy This 115 is the only motor I have and its going on there! Why did I get on this site anyway you old military farts I didn't like you when I was in the service and still don't!!!!!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

She is a 1970 and I was able to find the max motor size it is 85 hp Im gona wing it and put the 115 on hope it will be ok the transom looks to be good and its a deep enough boat that she should take the weight just fine. Im going with alum c channel for the floor joist and 1/8 tread plate for the floor. So I think I should be cutting weight enough to offset the extra weight in the motor. Whats everyone think I need input here. Thanks

I'm not going to replace a transom thats in perfect condition I'm an old poor boy

If the transom is perfect, don't replace it. Originally you said it looks good. Not the same thing. But for less then $100, w/ the boat torn almost completely down, it would be easier now, then it's all 100% new just like your new aluminum deck & structure.

Unfortunate you don't like the advice it seemed you were asking for:

Hey Im new to the forum....... Does anyone know how big I can go with the motor on this boat because I was given a 1977 115 merc and am planing on coupling these two...........Please let me know about the moter size on that 16ft ss as the boat is missing the coastguard plate. Thanks in advance!!!!

This 115 is the only motor I have and its going on there! Why did I get on this site anyway you old military farts I didn't like you when I was in the service and still don't!!!!! Later xx..redacted..xx

Again, unfortunate you reacted this way. Foul language was unnecessary.

BTW: NOT current or former military, but I have the utmost respect for those that have served, and I thank them for their service.

Boat & boat resto safely

 

[tdselby]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

Sorry I used that language however the transom does not need replacing at this time I choose not to replace the transom. In the future I will be give more consideration to my comments. I do not consider the things I'm doing with this boat to be unsafe, you have not seen the boat nor my work this thing is rock solid. and it will be a beautiful and safe resto....

 

[classiccat]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

Floor supports look solid td!

Have you considered selling the 115 for something legal for that boat? Maybe some extra pocket change to put towards the resto!

Do you have some close-up pics of the transom? Mine was also solid when I purchased it...but it had a tiny amt of flex. Closer inspection of other components revealed a cracked knee brace, cracked splashwell, sunken motor mount bolts and a splashwell that pulled away from the gunwale. These guys gang-tackled me about it and I'm glad they did!

If it helps digest my advice, I'm an Army vet (grunt) that got out after spec-4 :lol:

 

[hogg]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

I had a 57 Starcraft Mariner 16' with a 20 Hp Johnson.
When I tried out a 35 Johnson. The pressure from the motor, on the transom, made the sides of the boat bulge.
I think you'd be safer with a smaller motor. 25-35 Hp would be best I think.

Remember you can destroy the Rivets holding that bottom Keel strip/sides connection by hi speeds in rough waters.

 

[tdselby]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

Didn't mean to get on the military guys, what I meant to say is so by the book and I know that's how it is in the service that's one of the reasons the military life was not for me. I think ratings are normally given a 20to 30 % safety margin, its true with ladders life ropes and just about anything you come across. I know a lot of folks will differ with that opinion I do however realize I will be dealing with 30 extra hp on the back and will throttle accordingly. My fuel consumption should go down a result of not having to run full throttle to get there quick. Rest assured I won't go out and do anything CRAZY.
Blue I read your thread and liked it wish I had an 18 ss. COOL THREAD!!!!!!
Check out the pics got the foam In today. Also put up a pic of the foam cutter I made.The wire just lies across the supports and drags through the foam like cutting butter.

 

[barato2]

Re: Lost love returns "16 SS Starcraft"

TD---

a lot depends where you're boating. if you're on a farm pond where you can easily swim for shore, stick a 115 on there if you want. if you're on Big Water, there's a reason these ratings exist, and there's a reason that they usually have a margin of safety built in. rope fibers wear and age, aluminum fatigues..........

it kind of sounds like you've made your decision so i'm not entirely sure why you bothered to ask the Q. no need to get horsey with those who try to answer it. me, i'd do what BF suggested and sell the 115 and use $ to fund a motor sized for your boat.

or, you could sell the boat and get an 18' hull to match the 115.....


BF had another great comment there: These guys gang-tackled me about it and I'm glad they did!
i've been about to do some stupid things and had someone on here point it out just in time. was it a PITA re-doing my brilliant (i thought...) engineering? yup. but i sure am glad to have a lot of folks who have done this before to ask Qs of and to point out pitfalls.